In 1994, 7.74 million Americans had diabetes. That represented about 3% of the population. Today, 25.8 million Americans have diabetes. That's about 8% of our population. Why the change? It's simple: We are eating more and eating more of the wrong foods.
The Economic Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture took a look at food consumption trends from 1970 to 2000 in a research report published in 2002. While there were a few positive trends such as a slight reduction in red meat per capita consumption, the big problem trend was consumption of added sugars. Overall, consumption of added sugars increased by 22%.
The USDA Food Guide Pyramid Bulletin in effect when the report was published, recommended that people limit their consumption of added sugars to no more than 12 teaspoons daily for a 2,200 calorie diet. The per capita consumption was nearly three times their recommendation in 2,000.
While the 22% increase was bad enough, the really big problem was one particular type of added sugar consumption increase: Corn sweeteners of all types increased by 277%. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) per capita consumption increased by a whooping 4,080%.
There is, however, a positive turn in HFCS consumption according to a U.S. Census Bureau report that says total annual per capita pounds dropped from a high in 2,000 of 62.6 to 50.1 in 2009. Other positive food consumption trends include continued reduction in per capita red meat consumption,
Making Choices for Health
According to USDA data, the average American consumed 2,234 calories in 1970. By 2003, we consumed on average 2,757 calories daily. This is a 23.4% increase. Of the 528 additional calories, 292 were from fats and oils.
So what does all this mean for you? If you are currently dealing with diabetes or are pre-diabetic, you already know how important food choices are. One source for guidance is the American Diabetes Association. Of course you'll also want to follow your health care provider's guidance.
What advice would someone dealing with Type 2 diabetes have for those making poor food choices? Change your choices now. Why go through life overweight and stuck in unhealthy eating patterns? If you think it's too much bother to eat better or too difficult to lose weight, ask someone who lives with diabetes every day what it's like.
Health is a choice. Why not choose wisely?
Steve Carter
Stress Solutions, LLC,
Home of the Weight for Wellness(TM) Program
http://www.EFT-MD.com | http://www.EasyStressCures.com
888-848-5040 | 1-804-677-6772
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